Dodge Intrepid still shines as aggressive performance sedan
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Steep slopes of California's Coastal Range, topping out a mile high before cascading into the Pacific Ocean, set the scene for a severe driving route on Nacimiento Ferguson Road, which whips through corkscrew contours across the Ventana Wilderness east of Big Sur.
Nacimiento Ferguson ranks at the top of my list of paved courses which test limits of athletic ability for any automobile, and whenever near the area I find an excuse to drive it.
Most recent vehicle tested in a hair-raising romp over the challenging trail was Intrepid for 1996 by Dodge.
This benchmark sedan, when introduced as a 1993 model, marked the first cab-forward design for Chrysler Corporation and its sport-skewed Dodge Division. With 1996 editions representing a fourth translation of the original concept, Intrepid peaks in power, performance hardware and interior perks installed to create a comfortable ride experience.
What's the big idea behind cab-forward architecture?
It starts from within the vehicle, with windshield stretched forward to firewall, creating more space for the passenger compartment.
Then Intrepid's platform was enlarged beyond normal conventions, both in wheelbase and width, as wheels were pushed to outer fringes of the rectangular plan. This wide track and extended wheelbase combine to produce a highly stable platform in motion and, when coupled to Intrepid's spacious cab-forward interior, amount to something special in terms of easy-riding comfort and aggressive performance.
Chrysler's cab-forward concept was an instant market success and the idea subsequently found applications across the spectrum of models from Chrysler and Dodge.
Now, four years after the debut of the progressive design which spawned imitators chasing Chrysler's lead, the question arises: Does Intrepid still stand out?
Steering a 1996 Intrepid ES along the California coast served as refresher course to evaluate this car's behavior and rate it against some recent entries.
Starting with outward appearances, Intrepid still looks slick, fast and sporty.
Despite its intended slant to the family market, this is by no means a staid set of wheels.
That cab forward windshield, canted to the extreme in a slope mirrored by the drooped hood, forms a windswept profile featuring plenty of glass and shapely curves which flow like fluid toward a high tail.
Integrated bumpers and smoothly rounded corner lights fore and aft add to the slick image: Intrepid looks like it should be moving -- and fast.
Its exterior shape also enhances a driver's ability to navigate because the dropped nose and heightened window glass greatly magnify your field of vision. Compared to the typical sedan, there are no blind spots.
And Intrepid feels so good.
The cabin fits five adults, with two up front in cloth-covered buckets and up to three in back on a wide bench that's contoured in the upgraded ES version.
On the base Intrepid an optional front bench with 50-50 split serves three in a pinch for 6-person capacity.
That cab forward idea becomes obvious inside Intrepid.
Stretching the windshield far forward creates the illusion of even more space, eliminating any feeling of close quarters. Then, with elongated wheelbase bringing more leg room and the amplified width adding more elbow and shoulder room, you end up with far more comfortable surroundings than expected from a sedan of this length.
Actually, the wheelbase measures up to mid-size proportions, but that big cabin volume enables Intrepid to move up to full-size in terms of federal standards. The advantage: A full-size cabin for comfort but mid-size outer dimensions for agility when driving a tricky course.
Intrepid shines on tough routes, whether navigating a traffic-littered urban stretch or tackling serious curves like the California back road of Nacimiento Ferguson, where I pushed a 1996 Intrepid ES to its physical limits.
When this trace reaches the Pacific, you're still on a mountain half a mile above sea level but facing a descent over sheer cliffs through tight turns in serpentine series before connecting with the coastal highway.
Intrepid zipped down the mountains, hanging hard through each turn as G-forces pushed to maximum tolerance.
One curve flowed into the next as Intrepid's independent suspension cocked from right to left to right, the body swaying only minutely in a surprisingly flat stance that speaks of sporty agility and tight control.
Most cars could not perform such feats at such speeds on such risky curves, but Intrepid made it easy.
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering adds crispness for turning. For stopping, the power-assisted front disc and rear drum system may be upgraded to 4-wheel discs with optional anti-lock feature, as appears standard on ES.
Intrepid also packs ample power, even in base edition.
The entry engine, a 3.3-liter V6 with overhead valving, has been one of Chrysler's staples. Currently, it produces 161 hp and good torque too.
Intrepid ES adds Chrysler's remarkable 3.5-liter V6 with single-cam format and 24 valves. Horsepower jumps to 214 -- enough to pin neck to headrest.
Both engines mate with Chrysler's electronically-controlled automatic 4-speed transmission.
For 1996 models, Intrepid gains on-board diagnostic equipment for each engine, and the base version receives larger 16-inch wheels and tires to match ES, plus some exterior gear from ES like front fascia and fog lamps.
Even the base Intrepid contains standard features usually available only optionally, such as a tachometer in the analog instrument cluster, dual heated exterior mirrors, a front console with twin cup holders, rear heat ducts, rear window defroster, even power door locks.
Intrepid ES stirs in sporty handling hardware.
Factor all performance and comfort features with Intrepid's range of base prices -- from $18,500 to $23,500 -- and this Dodge continues to stand out.
1996 DODGE INTREPID
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| 1996 DODGE INTREPID VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Full-size sports sedan |
| Model Options: |
Full-size sports sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
113.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
201.8 inches
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| Engine Size: |
OHV 3.3-L V6 12v
SOHC 3.5-L V6 24v
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/opt. ABS
ES: Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
3.3-L: 20/28 mpg
3.5-L: 18/26 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 18,500 to $ 23,500 |
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